Between the bush fires, one of the most severe droughts in the last century and a toppling currency, South Africa has not had it easy in 2015. The currency specifically has been challenging for wine producers and could potentially pose a problem for wine producers in the year ahead.

The hottest growing season in South Africa since 1904, according to official statistics, is having a major impact on production for the current vintage. Yields are dramatically lower - down by as much as 60% or more in certain regions like Swartland - with the national crush expected to the smallest for over a decade.

Jo Wehring of Wines of South Africa looks back at a successful Cape Wine in 2015, but sees Majestic as the retailer to watch heading into 2016. She is looking foward to a new tasting in 2016 that will be hosted by WOSA called Intrepid South Africa in the autumn next year- so watch this space.

Cape Town, South Africa, which has been battling some of the worst wild fires the country has seen in over a decade, has now seen the blaze brought under control and wine authorities are starting to assess any potential vineyard damage.

Here's a video after our own heart here at Harpers Uncorked. As part of last month's Wines of the Beautiful South tasting you might have seen a special "cork" wall which doubled up as an actual live art installation.